9 Of The Best Nail Artists To Follow

After years of visiting the nail salon every 2-3 weeks, I decided to give-up my beloved shellac manicures and go on a journey to nail health. Now my nails are restored and healthy, I’m ready to dive back into the salon visits. But first, I need inspiration. 

Sifting through the colour swatches at the salon can be overwhelming – who knew there were that many different shades of red? Not to mention the endless nail art possibilities. Hence, I’m a firm believer in having a colour and design in mind before getting caught off guard at the salon. Even better? Reference images! As a short nail girlie, I typically opt for a solid colour as I feel that’s what works best on me. However, the recent rise in nail art trends has me realising nail art can be just as chic and isn’t just for longer nails. From simple dots, to pastel French tips and minimal floral designs, nail art has never been chicer. 

Here we round up the best nail artists to follow for inspiration so you’re ready for your next salon appointment. 

@harrietwestmoreland

As an OPI Global Ambassador, it’s no wonder Harriet Westmoreland’s page is full of elegant nails. A quick scroll of her Instagram reveals her signature style is minimal manicures. A red nail is a classic for a reason! Although stunning reds feature regularly, Westmoreland is known to be the master of the nude nail too, thanks to her approach of focussing on enhancing the natural shape and colour. If fresh, clean and chic nails are what you love, this page is for you.

@heluviee

Chances are you have already seen the stunning nail designs of @heluviee over on the Gritty Pretty Instagram – we’re big fans. Starting her page during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Sarah has grown a following thanks to her love for doing her own nails. That’s right, most of the manicures you see on her page are done on herself (our hand steadiness could never). From stunning colour combinations, abstract designs and sparkles, you’ll find all the nail inspiration you need here. Sarah often shares tips and tricks to doing your own manicures too, so if you’re interested in trying it yourself, look no further.

@maniwithsami

Mani with Sami is another do-it-yourself nail devotee and her feed is filled with endless stunning designs. More on the playful side, Sami has fun with colours and different finishes to create effects like opal and cat-eye. She features designs on longer acrylic tips as well as shorter nails so there is something for everyone. If you’re ready to inject more colour onto your nails, you’re sure to find something to inspire your nail creativity here.

@nails.by.jenna_

Can’t decide whether to keep it minimal or whether to go bold? This one’s for you. Nails by Jenna is where you should head when you’re feeling uninspired or unsettled. A scroll through her page will have you feeling inspired for your new mani in no time. Simple ‘less is more’ designs or bright and colourful abstract nail art, you’ll be able to swoon over it all here. 

@betina_goldstein

For those of us who like to keep our nails more minimal, Chanel nail artist, Betina Goldstein’s, page is all you’ll need. If you’re a beauty lover, its likely Goldstein’s intricate nail art has already passed through your feed at some point and it’s not hard to see why she’s attracted a following. Counting celebrities like Margot Robbie and Zoë Kravitz as clients, Goldstein’s feed is full of chic and a-list worthy manicures. I know where I’ll be drawing inspiration from for my next salon visit!

@overglowedit

Over Glow Edit, a page run by skincare and beauty blogger, Melanie Graves, is the go-to for notable nail art. Her Instagram is full of unique designs – chrome finishes, nail decal, modern French tips and even snakeskin patterns. Not only is her Instagram a flurry of nail content, Graves also has a blog, Over Glow Edit, where she shares product breakdowns and nail techniques.

@drybylondon

Dryby, a London nail studio, showcases beautifully elegant and clean manicures that we simply can’t get enough of. From simple glassy nude polish to barely there French tips and modest floral designs, Dryby’s feed will soon become a favourite for minimalists. The only question is, how soon can we fly to London to get our nails done here? 

@kimkimnails

Another nail artist to the stars, Kim Truong’s feed is filled with nail inspiration for everyone. Her page is versatile, with bright and bubbly nail art, as well as pared back nude designs worthy of red carpets like the Met Gala. A recent favourite is this Chanel camellia she created on Miranda Kerr’s nails for this years Met Gala. Stunning!

@anouknailedit

Dutch beauty entrepreneur and nail art expert, Anouk Nijs’s page @anouknailedit, is the ultimate place for ‘cool girl’ nail inspiration. Think pastel tones, mismatched nail colours, minimal gold touches and chic colourful designs. Anouk also hosts masterclasses to share her artistry insights with others in the industry, so what better place to draw inspiration from?